Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Microbial Ecology
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Microbial Ecology
Oregon State University
in Corvallis, OR
Type: Full-Time
Posted: 2 days ago
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Category: Plant and Soil Science
Position Overview
The Schaedel Lab in the Crop and Soil Sciences Department at Oregon State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a project investigating the biological mechanisms underpinning soil health in long-term research plots. The Schaedel Lab broadly focuses on plant-soil-microbial interactions governing soil ecosystem function and response to land management, leveraging powerful molecular tools such as DNA stable isotope probing. The incumbent will develop new methodologies to measure microbial trophic interactions and determine the functional consequences of these interactions for nutrient cycling in soil. This project involves collaboration with the Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center (CBARC) located in Pendleton, OR. Occasional travel to Pendleton will be required. The postdoctoral associate will have substantial ownership over experimental design and will be expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and extramural grant proposals that build on results generated by this project.
Position duration is two-years, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. Position start date is flexible, with preference given to applicants who are able to begin immediately.
Position Duties
Collect and process soil samples from long-term research trials
Maintain a soil bacteria isolate collection
Design and implement soil incubation experiments
Perform molecular biology techniques relevant to characterizing soil microbial communities
Analyze molecular datasets using bioinformatics and statistical approaches
Maintain detailed laboratory records and reproducible data management
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students assisting on the project
Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at scientific conferences
Contribute to extramural grant proposals
Required Qualifications
PhD in soil ecology, microbiology, microbial ecology, or related field
Demonstrated experience with molecular biology and/or microbiology lab techniques
Experience analyzing sequence data or other molecular datasets
Proficiency in R or Python for statistical analysis
Evidence of scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
Previous research experience involving soil microbial communities or microbial consortia
Experience developing or adapting molecular methods for complex environmental samples
Experience mentoring undergraduate students
Benefits
Salary is set according to the NIH schedule for postdoctoral associates
Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement contributions
More information on benefits available to postdoctoral researchers at OSU can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/current-employees/pos tdoctoral-scholars
Contact Information
Dr. Marie Schaedel, marie.schaedel@oregonstate.edu
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit the following information via email to Dr. Schaedel:
1. A cover letter describing research interests and qualifications relevant to this position
2. A current curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for 3 professional references
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Position start date: Immediate/ as soon as possible